Gopher Control

Take back your yard.

Gophers tunnel through lawns and gardens, uprooting plants and undermining soil. Most DIY tricks only give temporary relief. We target the burrow itself for a longer-lasting result.

β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…5.0 Β· 83+ Google reviews
Gopher close-up
Why You Have Gophers

Good soil and food bring them in.

Rich or freshly worked soil

Loose, organic soil is easy to tunnel through, and recent landscaping exposes roots that draw gophers in.

Location and shade

Some areas just have dense gopher populations, and shaded yards give them the cool conditions they prefer.

An easy food supply

Root crops and perennials offer a nutrient-rich, underground buffet that keeps gophers around long-term.

How RAYMAX Handles Gophers

We treat the burrow, not just the mound.

01

Inspect the yard

We map the active mounds and tunnels to understand how many gophers you have and where they're working.

02

Build a plan

A targeted plan using the right approach for your yard, whether that's burrow treatment, baiting, or both.

03

Treat the active burrows

We use specialized tools and treatments designed for the tunnel system, where surface repellents fall short.

04

Follow up and protect

Gophers are persistent, and a cleared spot invites a new one. We follow up, and if they return between visits, so do we, at no extra cost.

Know the Signs

Think you have a gopher problem?

Crescent or fan-shaped mounds of fresh soil in the yard
Plants, flowers, or vegetables suddenly wilting or pulled under
Soft, sunken soil or collapsing tunnels underfoot
Damaged roots, irrigation lines, or chewed underground cables

Mounds keep popping up no matter what you try? Call a RAYMAX Specialist at 800-893-1124.

Why Do I Have Gophers?

What draws them in, and why DIY rarely sticks.

Gophers are one of the toughest yard pests to manage on your own. Tap any topic to learn more.

Rich soil and recent landscaping+

Gophers prefer loose, well-drained soil rich in organic matter because it's easy to dig and supports the plants they eat. Freshly disturbed soil from recent landscaping is even more inviting since it tunnels easily and exposes more roots, so gophers take advantage of newly prepared ground while searching for food.

Try this: Castor oil or oil-based repellents can help move gophers away. It isn't a full solution, but it may give some relief.
Location and shade+

Some areas naturally have higher gopher populations, and if yours does, they'll find your yard regardless of its features. Gophers are also more active in shade, which keeps them cool while they work, so a yard with plenty of tree or structure shade offers a favorable climate that encourages them to settle.

Try this: If location is the issue, it usually means there's an abundance of gophers in your area that aren't being managed, and a coordinated approach works best.
An abundance of food+

Gophers are highly attracted to gardens rich in root crops like carrots, potatoes, and beets, since those are nutrient-dense and easy to reach underground. Edible perennials that regrow each year create a lasting food source that encourages gophers to stay in the area long-term.

Try this: When possible, hold off on replanting so they no longer have an easy food source available to them.
Can I do it myself?+

DIY is feasible but challenging. Two common methods are castor oil-based repellents and vibrating stakes. Repellents need repeated application, especially after rain or irrigation washes them away, and vibrating stakes have a limited range that may not cover a larger yard. DIY demands patience and constant upkeep to keep gophers from returning, which gets labor-intensive fast.

Heads up: Gophers are tough to DIY because most available methods relieve the symptoms rather than resolving the issue.
When to call a professional+

If your efforts aren't controlling the gophers, or you see extensive damage like multiple mounds and widespread tunneling, it's time to call a pro. Gophers harm lawns, gardens, and even structures by uprooting plants and destabilizing soil. Professionals use specialized tools and treatments like burrow fumigants and targeted baits that are far more effective for larger infestations, and they can help prevent future invasions.

Worth knowing: Gophers are especially resilient. Once a mound is dealt with, another gopher often moves into that space, so a single gopher is rarely the whole story.
Common Questions

Answers before you even ask.

Why do gophers come back after I deal with one?+
Gophers are resilient, and an empty burrow is prime real estate. Once you clear one, another often moves into the same tunnel system, which is why a single gopher is rarely the whole picture and why lasting control targets the burrows directly.
Do those repellents and vibrating stakes actually work?+
They can offer temporary relief, but repellents wash away with rain and irrigation, and stakes only cover a small range. They tend to ease the symptoms rather than resolve the problem, which is why larger or persistent infestations need professional treatment.
How much damage can gophers really do?+
More than people expect. They uproot plants, ruin lawns and gardens, chew irrigation lines, and destabilize soil, which can even affect structures over time. Acting early keeps a small problem from becoming an expensive one.
Are treatments safe for my family and pets?+
Yes. We choose the right approach for your yard and apply it responsibly. Your technician will explain any precautions for kids and pets around treated areas before they leave.

Reclaim your lawn.

Get a free, no-pressure quote in minutes, or call and talk to a real person right now.